HC Deb 16 June 1994 vol 244 cc648-9W
17. Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the latest discussions he has had with the Irish Government relating to Northern Ireland.

Sir Patrick Mayhew

I periodically meet members of the Irish Government to discuss matters of mutual interest. The last such meeting was with Mr. Spring on 23 May. Our discussions are necessarily confidential but are generally the subject of a joint statement at their conclusion.

21. Mr. Corbett

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the talks he has had with the Irish Government relating to a constitutional framework for Northern Ireland.

Sir Patrick Mayhew

Consultations are continuing with the Irish Government on the construction of a framework conforming to the principles of the joint declaration. This would facilitate a comprehensive political settlement involving the main constitutional parties, and covering all the main relationships in accordance with the statement of 26 March 1991.

24. Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he will be putting to the Irish Government for advancing the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Sir Patrick Mayhew

The Government are consulting closely with the Irish Government on the construction of a framework conforming to the principles of the joint declaration which would facilitate a comprehensive political settlement involving the main constitutional parties, and covering all the main relationships in accordance with the statement of 26 March 1991.

28. Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had with political leaders from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland about prospects for peace.

Sir Patrick Mayhew

I have continued, with the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Mr. Ancram), to hold such discussions, which necessarily remain confidential.